27/7/2013 Achacachi to Copacabana
D99, T10, Av15, Max68, Tot16990, 6923
Normal winters day, warm middle of the day, clear skies
Cold either end of the day
We were up very early, had breakfast and departed the bunker by 0700. Due to stopping here the night, we had some 94km to reach Copacabana.
The thought of going through last nights events at a cold campsite made me cringe.
It was 10 days since Deirdre had been bitten, we needed to speak again with Bernard as to how the dog was and get any other information.
Following the lake shore again all morning, with reeds growing in most places along its edges, the road was gently undulating.
At Huatajata, the road was blocked with stumps and other items. Passing through the locals were celebrating a religious day, this involved dressing traditionally with much drinking in the middle of the road. The number bottle tops on the road indicated a serious early morning session was underway.
Further on from here, we visited a property where there were papyrus craft anchored in the lake beyond the house.
The older guy was really interesting, he was a master papyrus boat builder, he had a museum containing many articles about Thor Heyerdahl and his craft Con Tiki.
We spent some time here, it was interesting learning about these craft without people everywhere.
Following the turn off at Huarina, a steady climb began, with Mt Kaico often present to the far south.
After the top of the range was reached it was a quick descent into the town of San Pablo.
Here we enjoyed small deep fried lake fish, they were tiny, you got dozens and ate them whole with rice, salad and potatoes, so nice they were seconds came.
Crossing the stretch of water to San Pedro de Tiquina required us taking a ferry type of barge. It was 10 B.
Our particular vessel, one of plenty lining up for customers was shared with a bus and a van. It was a tight squeeze with one bike either side.
The 50ft vessels were powered by 55hp outboards and poles when close to the loading ramp on shore. Like all people who work on the water, it was a pleasure to see the young guy handle this large cumbersome vessel with finesse when coming along side.
He told me for him summer is the best time of year here, though it rains alot, it is warm.
Not having to derive an income from the land, a little bit more water is of no concern.
Once across the channel, unknown to us a 50km climb was ahead.
The views on the way out of San Pedro were, those of the ever so blue lake with mountains in the background.
As the afternoon wore on, we were both feeling the effects of altitude and the cold.
Every corner we reached, cars could be seen miles ahead and above.
On reaching a point of interest called Chissi, the sign read 4083m. From here we climbed further. At one point a smattering of snow was within walking distance of the road.
Prior to this with me infront, doing it tough after last nights episode, about 200m was all I could muster up distance wise. it was an effort to muster up energy for the next 200m. Some high energy music helped.
Had we not needed to make Copa, we probably would have camped.
Finally we reached the top.
It was cold to say the least, the time was 1700, a full change into long johns jackets and anything else to keep us warm was made.
A descent of 8 km saw us finally reach Copacabana, a very touristy Bolivian town on the shores of the lake. We arrived here just on dark.
Accommodation was found at the first hotel arrived at. We shared a room with a young Kiwi girl, it was all they had available. The three of us headed out for a meal at a decidedly western restaurant. It was nice for a change, pizzas, curried chicken, pasta and a couple of beers. The first for me for some time.
Our room was super crowded with two bikes, our gear and Hannahs, enough to see her starting a new job in Italy, next year.
D99, T10, Av15, Max68, Tot16990, 6923
Normal winters day, warm middle of the day, clear skies
Cold either end of the day
We were up very early, had breakfast and departed the bunker by 0700. Due to stopping here the night, we had some 94km to reach Copacabana.
The thought of going through last nights events at a cold campsite made me cringe.
It was 10 days since Deirdre had been bitten, we needed to speak again with Bernard as to how the dog was and get any other information.
Following the lake shore again all morning, with reeds growing in most places along its edges, the road was gently undulating.
At Huatajata, the road was blocked with stumps and other items. Passing through the locals were celebrating a religious day, this involved dressing traditionally with much drinking in the middle of the road. The number bottle tops on the road indicated a serious early morning session was underway.
Further on from here, we visited a property where there were papyrus craft anchored in the lake beyond the house.
The older guy was really interesting, he was a master papyrus boat builder, he had a museum containing many articles about Thor Heyerdahl and his craft Con Tiki.
We spent some time here, it was interesting learning about these craft without people everywhere.
Following the turn off at Huarina, a steady climb began, with Mt Kaico often present to the far south.
After the top of the range was reached it was a quick descent into the town of San Pablo.
Here we enjoyed small deep fried lake fish, they were tiny, you got dozens and ate them whole with rice, salad and potatoes, so nice they were seconds came.
Crossing the stretch of water to San Pedro de Tiquina required us taking a ferry type of barge. It was 10 B.
Our particular vessel, one of plenty lining up for customers was shared with a bus and a van. It was a tight squeeze with one bike either side.
The 50ft vessels were powered by 55hp outboards and poles when close to the loading ramp on shore. Like all people who work on the water, it was a pleasure to see the young guy handle this large cumbersome vessel with finesse when coming along side.
He told me for him summer is the best time of year here, though it rains alot, it is warm.
Not having to derive an income from the land, a little bit more water is of no concern.
Once across the channel, unknown to us a 50km climb was ahead.
The views on the way out of San Pedro were, those of the ever so blue lake with mountains in the background.
As the afternoon wore on, we were both feeling the effects of altitude and the cold.
Every corner we reached, cars could be seen miles ahead and above.
On reaching a point of interest called Chissi, the sign read 4083m. From here we climbed further. At one point a smattering of snow was within walking distance of the road.
Prior to this with me infront, doing it tough after last nights episode, about 200m was all I could muster up distance wise. it was an effort to muster up energy for the next 200m. Some high energy music helped.
Had we not needed to make Copa, we probably would have camped.
Finally we reached the top.
It was cold to say the least, the time was 1700, a full change into long johns jackets and anything else to keep us warm was made.
A descent of 8 km saw us finally reach Copacabana, a very touristy Bolivian town on the shores of the lake. We arrived here just on dark.
Accommodation was found at the first hotel arrived at. We shared a room with a young Kiwi girl, it was all they had available. The three of us headed out for a meal at a decidedly western restaurant. It was nice for a change, pizzas, curried chicken, pasta and a couple of beers. The first for me for some time.
Our room was super crowded with two bikes, our gear and Hannahs, enough to see her starting a new job in Italy, next year.